WHAT’S HAPPENING
Dec. 2, Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, donations accepted, 407-905-2501.
Holiday Pops concert: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play holiday favorites. Bring a blanket and a picnic. 4 p.m. Dec. 2, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-599-3463.
"Christmas at the Casa" holiday open house: Santa Claus will be on hand to greet everyone, the house will be decorated for the season, and carolers by Winter Park High School Belle Chanson will lead attendees in holiday favorites. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-628-8196.
Christmas in the Park: The Morse Museum of American Art will light Central Park with century-old Tiffany windows from its renowned collection at the 40th annual Christmas in the Park. The leaded-glass windows set the stage for a performance of seasonal favorites by the Bach Festival Choir. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-645-5311.
Christmas with the Basilica Choir holiday concert: The Basilica Choir will present a wide variety of sacred and secular Advent and Christmas music. An audience sing-a-long of Christmas carols will round out the evening. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, $25, free for ages 11 or younger, 407-239-6600.
Holiday Celebration and Amaryllis Festival: There will be photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), live music, nature-themed vendors, food, gift shop, silent auction, eco activities for children and amaryllis bulbs and other plants for sale. Guests are invited to bring toys and nonperishable food items for local charities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha, free, donations accepted, 407-445-9977.
Old-Fashioned Hayride with Santa: A hayride through Downtown Winter Garden. Reservations required. 6-9 p.m. (departing every 30 minutes) Dec. 8, Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, free, 407-656-4111.
Live Nativity: Featuring nine scenes depicting events of Jesus' birth. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland, free, 407-644-5350.
Merry Tuba Christmas: Tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages are invited to participate. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with rehearsal from 10-11:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10. 1 p.m. Dec. 22, Central Park Stage, 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, spectator admission is free, 407-599-3463.
Chanukah on the Park: Presented by Chabad of Greater Orlando, the evening will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers, food and grand menorah lighting. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-529-5966.
Braille calendars: The Braille Association of Mid-Florida offers 2019 calendars embossed in Braille. The calendar highlights holidays and includes embossed illustrations with a unique theme. For those sending one as a gift, their name and a short personal note written by them will be embossed in Braille and sent with the calendar. The calendars cost $10 and can be mailed to any address in the United States. To order, call 407-831-1364.
Kids & Family
Movies at Leu Gardens: Gates open at 6 p.m. Bring dinner picnics and stroll the 50-acre gardens before the movie. Concessions available. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 (“Christmas Vacation” rated PG-13), Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $6 for adults, $3 for children, free for Leu members, 407-246-2620.
Model railroad open house: The Orlando Society of Model Railroaders will have an open house. See a fully operational model railroad that includes eight scale miles of mainline track, detailed scenery including both urban and rural scenes, and many diverse industries with associated railroad facilities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9, Orlando Society of Model Railroaders, 7208 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-810-3306.
Ribbit the Exhibit II: Featuring 26 whimsical copper frog sculptures located in 18 displays throughout the 50-acre gardens. Each sculpture is made from flat sheets of copper that are cut, hammered and folded in three dimensional images. J.A. Cobb uses a process which strengthens and seals each sculpture to last for generations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 31, Harry P. Leu Gardens. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-17, free for ages 3 or younger, 407-246-2620.
Recreation
Walk: The Mid-Florida Milers Walking Club, a member of the American Volkssport Association, is sponsoring a walk through Wekiwa Springs State Park. Two distances available: 10K (6.2 miles) or 6K (3.7 miles). Start between 8:30-9:30 a.m. Nov. 23, Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, $3 per person, free for walkers ages 11 or younger who do not want credit, park entrance fee is $6 per car with 2-8 occupants, 407-695-9181.